In act three, John Proctor travels into Salem with Mary Warren in hopes of proving to the court authorities that the girls are frauds. After Mary Warren testifies that the girls are lying, Deputy Governor Danforth realizes that the integrity of his court is being threatened and is afraid of losing his position of power. Danforth then addresses John Proctor and explains to him that he is aware that John is motivated to free his wife, who has been arrested and accused of witchcraft. Danforth then tells John that his wife claims that she is pregnant even though she shows no visible signs of being pregnant yet. He agrees to keep Elizabeth imprisoned for a month until she shows signs of being pregnant and promises to her keep her alive for a year until the child is born if John drops the charges. Danforth believes that John will drop the charges in order to save his wife's life, which is exactly what the court officials want. However, John demonstrates his integrity and loyalty to his friends by refusing to drop the charges.

Danforth allows Elizabeth a stay of execution until her unborn baby is born.  She is set free from prison until the birth.  Unfortunately, the same does not apply to John Proctor, Elizabeth's husband and the child's father.  He is hanged along with Rebecca Nurse as the community watches.  Luckily for Elizabeth, in the time it takes to wait for the child to come into the world, the truth of the matter is recognized.  The whole silly mess of witch hunting in Salem is put to a stop, and consequently, Elizabeth and her baby survive. Ironically, Abigail has escaped the matter and without John Proctor--the whole reason she began the accusations in the first place.  Abigail targets Elizabeth hoping she would be moved out of the way and Abby and John could live happily ever after.